FIRE FIGHTER TRAINEE (PARAMEDIC)

FIRE FIGHTER TRAINEE (PARAMEDIC)

Salary

$72,902.64 Annually

Location

Los Angeles County, CA

Job Type

Full time

Job Number

30198B-EA

Department

FIRE

Opening Date

10/07/2026

Closing Date

10/23/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position/Program Information

FIRE DEPARTMENT

TYPE OF RECRUITMENT

OPEN COMPETITIVE JOB OPPORTUNITY - EMERGENCY

EXAM NUMBER

30198B-EA

APPLICATION FILING PERIOD

Applications will be accepted from October 19, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. (PT) until October 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (PT).

All applications must be received before 5:00 p.m. (PT) on October 23, 2026, to be accepted.

The LA County Board of Supervisors recently declared a local state of emergency for homelessness, and the County is working to revise and expand our response to help all who are affected. We are looking for qualified and passionate individuals to help us in the mission of addressing issues like housing, mental health, and substance use. If you are looking for a new career that will directly benefit the population of LA County, this may be the opportunity for you.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department is seeking qualified candidates to fill emergency Fire Fighter Trainee (Paramedic) vacancies related to the homelessness crisis.

Under the emergency order, applicants who meet the requirements may be hired for an initial period of up to 90 days, with an opportunity for permanent County employment.

During your initial work period, you will be assessed on your work performance. This assessment will be weighted 100%

Those who successfully pass the 90 day assessment will be considered for permanent appointment to Fire Fighter Paramedic and will be eligible for a paramedic bonus upon permanent appointment.

90-DAY ASSESSMENT

Fire Fighter Trainees (Paramedic) participate in an emergency assessment academy that includes basic firefighting, emergency medical treatment, a paramedic skills/internship component, and responsibilities. They also participate in a basic firefighting training program involving both field and classroom instruction prior to appointment as a Fire Fighter. Recruits must have the mental ability to assimilate classroom instructions and the physical skill, stamina, and coordination to become proficient in all firefighting and rescue techniques.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides EMT-Paramedic level of advanced emergency medical assessment, care and treatment.
• Utilizes, monitors, and interprets electrocardiograms, performs defibrillation, chemical and electrical cardioversion, and/or external pacing to correct any life-threatening arrhythmia occurring with the patients heart.
• Establishes intravenous (IV) catheters, intraosseous (10), or other cannula (IV/10 lines) in peripheral veins and/or intraosseous.
• Administers and monitors approved medications and dosage by intravenous, intraosseous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, inhalation, transcutaneous, rectal, sublingual, endotracheal, oral or topical means.
• Assesses and clears oral and nasal airways to administer oxygen in proper quantity as per protocol in order to facilitate patients breathing.
• Inspects the airway by the use of laryngoscope and removes foreign bodies with forceps.
• Performs pulmonary ventilation by use of approved Los Angeles County EMS Agency basic and/or advanced techniques and adjuncts (CPAP, supraglottic airway devices, adult oral endotracheal intubation, etc.).
• Utilizes point of care devices to monitor glucose, capnography, pulse oximetry, carboxyhemoglobin levels; and performs needle thoracostomy.
• Under close supervision, participates in a firefighting training program. Through classroom and field training, learns proper firefighting techniques and procedures for fighting structural, watershed, chemical, petroleum, electrical, and other fires.
• Receives instructions and participates in field training to learn proper procedures and acquire proficiency in the rescue or evacuation of persons endangered by fire or disaster in the provision of emergency medical care.
• Receives instructions in pre-fire plan inspection and enforcement of the Fire Code.
• Receives instructions and learns proper care and operations of all fire suppression apparatus.
• Works in a team environment while providing patient and compassionate care to member of the public in emergency and non-emergency conditions.

Requirements

SPECIALTY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants who do not have a Paramedic License issued by the State of California Emergency Medical Services Authority and the required experience will be disqualified.

In order to qualify, candidates must meet all of the following requirements:

• Graduation from high school, its equivalent*, or higher from an accredited institution
• A current, valid, non-probationary California Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (EMT-P) License issued by the State of California Emergency Medical Services Authority* that must be effective for at least six months beyond the date of appointment
• Twelve (12) months of full-time experience as a primary care paramedic running 9-1-1 responses
• A current and valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certificate*

See below LICENSE/CERTIFICATE(S) section for details on what must be submitted.

• Graduation from an accredited U.S. high school or equivalent U.S. high school proficiency or higher education. Evidence of equivalent high school proficiency includes having passed the GED, TASC, HiSET, or CHSPE. Accredited high schools are those accredited by certifying organizations recognized by the United States Department of Education, and include accredited public and non-public high schools in the United States and accredited United States Department of Defense high schools.

Accredited institutions are those listed in the publications of regional, national, or international accrediting agencies which are accepted by the Department of Human Resources. Publications such as American Universities and Colleges and International Handbook of Universities are acceptable references. Also acceptable, if appropriate, are degrees that have been evaluated and deemed to be equivalent to degrees from United States accredited institutions by an academic credential evaluation agency recognized by The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the Association of International Credential Evaluations, Inc. (AICE).

• EMT-P License: Issued by the State of California Emergency Medical Services Authority that must remain effective for at least six months beyond the date of appointment.

Full time experience as a primary paramedic running 9-1-1 responses is defined as the paramedic responsible for primary patient care decisions while running 9-1-1 responses. Primary paramedic responsibilities are defined as all decisions on the assessment, treatment, and transport of patients that are accessing the 9-1-1 system. Inter-facility transports do not qualify.

• A Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is a timed test that measures performance on physical tasks simulating actual job duties on the fire ground. A current and valid CPAT must be provided by the time of appointment.

AGE: At least 18 years of age at the time of appointment.

CITIZENSHIP: A United States citizen or permanent resident who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship at the time of appointment.

LICENSE:

See Licenses/Certificates Required section below.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Twenty-four (24) months of full-time experience as a firefighter paramedic
• California State Fire Training Firefighter I or II, or equivalent certification(s) from another state
• California State Fire Training Apparatus Operator lA or 1B certificate, or equivalent certification(s) from another state
• A current and valid Los Angeles County Paramedic Accreditation issued by the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency

PHYSICAL CLASS:

4 - Arduous: This class involves frequent heavy lifting over 25 pounds, often combined with bending, twisting, or working above ground on irregular surfaces. It includes those positions that occasionally demand extraordinary physical activity such as those in Safety positions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must be in good general physical condition, free from any medical condition that would interfere with the satisfactory performance of the duties of this position.

Vision:

• Acuity - At least 20/70 in each eye without correction, correctable to 20/30 in each eye.
• Color perception - Anything other than minor hue impairment is disqualifying.

Hearing:

There may be no greater than a 25 Db loss in the better ear as averaged over the test frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz. There may not be a peak loss at any of the test frequencies greater than

30 Db at 500 Hz

30 Db at 1000 Hz

40 Db at 2000 Hz

40 Db at 3000 Hz

There may be no greater than a 35 Db loss in the worse ear as averaged over the test frequencies, and no peak loss greater than 45 Db at any of the test frequencies. In the case of a questionable, unusual, or borderline hearing loss, the applicants record will be reviewed by the Occupational Health Service consultant in otolaryngology who will make a recommendation as to the applicants employability, and forward it to the Medical Director for final disposition.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATES AND EDUCATION & SUBMISSION PROCESS:

Candidates must present:

• To receive credit for your education, include a copy of your official diploma, its equivalent, official transcript, or letter/certificate from an accredited institution within five (5) calendar days of filing your application. The document should show the date the degree was conferred and be in English; if it is in a foreign language, it must be translated and evaluated for equivalency to U.S. standards. For more information on our standards for educational documents, please visit: https://file.lacounty.gov/dhr/PPG%20123.pdf ( Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) and https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSlnter/dhr/205105_PPG_l23_ACE Resource_Guide.pdf ( Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) .

• A California drivers license before being appointed. Successful candidates for this position will be required to obtain and present a copy of their driving record from the California Department of Motor Vehicles before being appointed. License must not be suspended, restricted or revoked. ANY CANDIDATE WHOSE DRIVING RECORD SHOWS FOUR OR MORE MOVING VIOLATIONS WITHIN THE LAST TWO YEARS WILL NOT BE APPOINTED.

• Candidates who are successfully hired must have a current and valid CPAT at the time of appointment.

If you are unable to attach the required documents, you must e-mail the documents to Fire-FFTParamedic@fire.lacounty.gov

We do not accept password-protected documents. Ensure documents are unlocked before attaching to your application or sending to the exam analyst.

Failure to provide proof of requirements listed above will result in rejection of your application.

NOTE: It is the candidates responsibility to maintain a current and valid non-probationary EMT-P license issued by the State of California Emergency Medical Services Authority that will remain effective for at least six months beyond the date of final appointment.

You MUST meet the above requirements in order to be appointed to fill any vacancies related to this recruitment.

Additional Information

EXAMINATION CONTENT:

During your initial work period, you will be assessed on your work performance. Those who achieve a passing score for this evaluation will be considered for permanent appointment.

APPLICATION & FILING INFORMATION:

Applications must be filed online only and will be reviewed for consideration on an ongoing basis. If you have not been contacted within 60 days and the recruitment remains open or reopens for filing; we encourage you to submit a new application. This will allow you to reaffirm your interest and update any relevant information.

Many important notifications will be sent electronically to the email address provided on the application, so it is important that you provide a valid email address. Please add Tatevik.Asulyan@fire.lacounty.gov, Fire-FFTParamedic@fire.lacounty.gov as well as noreply@governmentjobs.com, and info@governmentjobs.com to your email address and list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk/clutter mail.

You have the ability to opt out of emails from LA County. If you unsubscribe, you will not receive any email notification for any examination for which you apply with Los Angeles County. Regardless of whether you choose to unsubscribe, you can always check for notifications by logging into governmentjobs.com and viewing your profile inbox, which saves a copy of all emailed notices.

Plan to submit your online application well in advance before the posting closes as you may be required to verify your email address. This only needs to be done once per email address, and if you already have a job seeker account on www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacouyou can verify at any time by logging in and following the prompts. This is to enhance the security of your online application and to ensure you do not enter an incorrect email address.

NO SHARING OF USER ID, EMAIL AND PASSWORD:

All applicants must file their application using their own user ID and password. Using a family members or friends user ID and password may erase a candidates original application record.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE:

The acceptance of your application depends on whether you have clearly show that you meet the Specialty Requirements. Please fill outyour application and supplemental questionnaire completely and correctly to receive full credit for any related education, training, and job experience. For each job held, give the name and address of your employer, your actual job title, beginning and ending dates, description of work performed, total number of hours worked (full or part time). Provide any relevant education, training, and experience in the spaces provided so we can evaluate your qualifications for this job.

AVAILABLE SHIFT:

Any Shift - Appointees must be willing to work any shift, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

BACKGROUND CHECK AND MEDICAL EXAMINATION INFORMATION:

If asked to provide information about a conviction history, any convictions or court records that are exempted by a valid court order do not have to be disclosed.

Successful candidates who are given a conditional offer of employment will be required to complete a criminal background check, including a fingerprint search, followed by a medical examination. A candidate with conviction history that has a direct and adverse relationship with the duties of the Fire Fighter Trainee position may have their conditional offer of employment rescinded and be removed from the certification list pursuant to Civil Service Rule 6.04.

In addition, candidates must successfully complete a medical examination and be able to perform all of the essential functions of the Fire Fighter Trainee classification. A candidate who does not successfully complete a medical examination or is unable to perform all of the essential functions of the Fire Fighter Trainee may have their conditional offer of employment rescinded and be removed from the certification list pursuant to Civil Service Rule 6.04.

Department Contact Name: Fire Examination Section

Department Contact Phone: (213) 466-5500

Department Contact Email: Fire-FFTParamedic@fire.lacounty.gov

Analyst Contact Phone: (213) 466-5500

Teletype Phone: (800) 735-2929

California Relay Services Phone: (800) 735-2922

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

Employment Information

Any language contained in the job posting supersedes any language contained below.

This document is intended to provide general information about the recruitment process of the County of Los Angeles. Applicants with questions about a specific job posting should contact the exam analyst listed on the posting.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Statement:

The County of Los Angeles is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to non-discrimination in the County workforce, regardless of age (40 and over); ancestry; color; ethnicity; religious creed; protected family or medical leave status; disability; marital status; medical condition; genetic information; military and veteran status; national origin; race ; sex; gender; sexual orientation; or any other characteristic protected by State or federal law. For more information, please visit: https://employee.hr.lacounty.gov/eeo-programs/.

Testing Accommodations for Applicants:

The County of Los Angeles complies with all federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact the testing accommodation coordinator listed on the job posting. Hearing impaired applicants with telephone teletype equipment may leave messages by calling the teletype phone number on the job posting. For more information on accommodations, please visit: https://hr.lacounty.gov/accessibility/.

Fair Chance:

The County of Los Angeles is a Fair Chance employer. Except as otherwise permissible under applicable laws, you will not be asked to provide information about conviction history unless you receive a conditional offer of employment. The County will make an individualized assessment of whether your conviction history has a direct and adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job, and will also consider potential mitigating factors, which may include, but is not limited to, evidence and extent of rehabilitation, recency of the offense(s), and age at the time of the offense(s). If asked to provide information about conviction history, any convictions or court records which are exempted by a valid court order do not have to be disclosed. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with County Fair Chance Policies and the Fair Chance Act (Gov. Code Section 12952).

Employment Eligibility:

Final appointment is contingent upon verification of U.S. citizenship or the right to work in the United States.

Career PathFinder:

Resources to help current and prospective employees plan a career with Los Angeles County are available. To explore career paths to and from nearly all job titles, please visit our interactive Career PathFinder application at http://career-pathfinder.hr.lacounty.gov.

Veteran's Credit:

Pursuant to the County Charter and County policy, in all open competitive examinations (i.e., examinations open to everyone), the County of Los Angeles will add a credit of 10 percent of the total credits specified for such examination to the final passing score of an honorably discharged veteran, as well as the spouse of a deceased or disabled veteran, who served in the Armed Forces of the United States under specific conditions.

For more information on veteran's credit, please visit: https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/205102_PPG_115.pdf

Revised September 2025

For detailed information, please click here

01

Candidate Communication Acknowledgement: Many important notifications will be sent electronically to the email address provided on the application. It is important that you provide a valid email address. DO NOT select "off" under Email Preferences within your profile or click "unsubscribe" on our notices if you would like the County of Los Angeles to notify you regarding your application status, and other important information pertaining to your candidacy for this position. Please add Tatevik.Asulyan@fire.lacounty.gov, Fire-FFTParamedic@fire.lacounty.gov, noreply@governmentjobs.com, info@governmentjobs.com and the domain @fire.lacounty.gov to your email address and list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk/clutter mail. It is your responsibility to take the above steps to view correspondence.

• I acknowledge that I have read and understood the above instructions.

02

Supplemental Questionnaire Acknowledgement: The information you provide on this supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and used to determine your eligibility. CHECK YOUR ANSWERS CAREFULLY. Any mistakes you make and/or any incomplete responses you provide in completing these questions will be used to disqualify your application even if you possess the qualifying experience or education. Be specific as possible and include all information requested. Comments such as "see resume or application" will not be considered as a response. All information is subject to verification at any time in the hiring process. Falsification of any information may result in disqualification or dismissal.

• I have read and understood the above information and instructions.

03

This position works to support the Countys response to the homelessness emergency.

• I understand and am willing to perform all necessary work duties.

04

Do you possess a high school degree, its equivalent, or higher from an accredited institution?

• Yes, I have a valid high school diploma, its equivalent, or higher from an accredited institution and have attached to my application.
• Yes, I have a valid high school diploma, its equivalent, or higher from an accredited institution and will email proof within 5 calendar days to Fire-FFTParamedic@fire.lacounty.gov.
• No, I do not have a valid high school diploma, its equivalent, or higher from an accredited institution.

05

Please select the option that best describes your current California Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic (EMT-P) status.

• Yes, I have a valid and current California Emergency Technician Paramedic (EMT-P) and have provided a copy with my application.
• Yes, I have a valid and current California Emergency Technician Paramedic (EMT-P) and will email proof within 5 calendar days to Fire-FFTParamedic@fire.lacounty.gov.
• No, I DO NOT have a valid and current California Emergency Technician Paramedic (EMT-P).

06

If you have a current, valid, non-probationary CA EMT-P, please list your license number and date of expiration in the comment box below.

07

As a full-time licensed paramedic, how many months have you performed as the primary care paramedic running 9-1-1 responses*?

• Full time experience as a primary paramedic running 9-1-1 responses is defined as the paramedic responsible for primary patient care decisions while running 9-1-1 responses. Primary paramedic responsibilities are defined as all decisions on the assessment, treatment, and transport of patients that are accessing the 9-1-1 system. Inter-facility transports do not qualify.
• I have not worked as a full-time primary care paramedic running 9-1-1 responses.
• Less than 12 months.
• At least 12 months but less than 24 months.
• 24 months or more.

08

If you answered as having experience listed in the previous question, describe your experience by providing the following information:

• Job Title
• Name of Agency
• Agency Address
• Employment Start Date (MM/DD/YYYY) and End Date (MM/DD/YYYY)
• Description of your Duties and Scope of Responsibility
• Supervisor Name
• Supervisor Title
• Supervisor Phone Number
• Supervisor Email Address

If you do not possess this experience, type "No Related Experience."

09

Desirable Qualifications - Your responses to questions 10-16 will not be used to determine your qualification. However, these responses may be considered as part of the hiring process to identify candidates with specific experiences and skills.

10

How many months have you worked as a full-time Firefighter Paramedic?

• I have not worked as full-time Firefighter Paramedic
• Less than 12 months.
• At least 12 months but less than 24 months.
• 24 months or more.

11

If you answered as having experience listed in the previous question, describe your experience by providing the following information:

• Job Title
• Name of Agency
• Agency Address
• Employment Start Date (MM/DD/YYYY) and End Date (MM/DD/YYYY)
• Description of your Duties and Scope of Responsibility
• Supervisor Name
• Supervisor Title
• Supervisor Phone Number
• Supervisor Email Address

If you do not possess this experience, type "No Related Experience."

12

Do you possess a California State Fire Training Apparatus Operator 1A or 1B certificate?

• I do not have either certificate
• I possess a California State Fire Training Apparatus Operator 1A
• I possess both a California State Fire Training Apparatus Operator 1A and 1B
• I do not have either certificate, but possess equivalent certification(s) from another state

13

Do you possess a California State Fire Training Firefighter I or II certificate?

• I do not have either certificate
• I possess a California State Fire Training Firefighter I
• I possess a California State Fire Training Firefighter I and II
• I do not have either certificate, but possess equivalent certification(s) from another state

14

Do you possess a current and valid Los Angeles County Paramedic Accreditation issued by the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency?

• I possess a current and valid Los Angeles County Paramedic Accreditation issued by the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency
• I do not possess a current and valid Los Angeles County Paramedic Accreditation issued by the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency

15

If you possess the certifications listed in the previous three questions, please make sure to attach a legible copy of the certificate and/or license to your application. Otherwise, you must submit the certificate and/or license to Fire-FFTParamedic@fire.lacounty.gov.

• I understand the above information and instructions.

16

Candidates who are successfully hired, must have a current and valid CPAT at the time of appointment.

• I understand that a valid CPAT is required upon successfully being appointed.

Required Question

Employer County of Los Angeles

Address

Los Angeles, California, 90010

Website http://hr.lacounty.gov